| Author |
Xenophon, 432 BCE-351? BCE |
| Translator |
Dakyns, Henry Graham, 1838-1911 |
| Title |
The Symposium
|
| Note |
Reading ease score: 80.0 (6th grade). Easy to read.
|
| Credits |
Produced by John Bickers, and David Widger
|
| Summary |
"The Symposium" by Xenophon is a philosophical dialogue written in the late 4th century BC. The work presents a series of discussions among notable figures of the time, including Socrates, at a dinner hosted by Callias in honor of the young athlete Autolycus. The dialogue explores themes of love, beauty, and virtue, particularly through the lens of Socratic philosophy. The opening of "The Symposium" sets the stage for this intellectual gathering, beginning with Socrates' playful banter with Callias about the nature of wisdom and the invitation to dinner. After the feast's initial arrival, a jester named Philippus adds a lighthearted element, struggling to amuse the guests with his humor. As the discussions unfold, characters begin to express their thoughts on beauty, love, and their own perceived virtues. Notably, Socrates challenges convention and provokes thought about the deeper meanings of these themes, establishing a vibrant atmosphere for the philosophical exchanges that will follow, highlighting the interplay between personal qualities and societal values. This opening hints at a rich exploration of human passions and philosophical inquiry—elements that may intrigue readers interested in classical thought and the nature of human relationships. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
|
| Language |
English |
| LoC Class |
PA: Language and Literatures: Classical Languages and Literature
|
| Subject |
Classical literature
|
| Subject |
Socrates, 470 BC-399 BC
|
| Subject |
Philosophy, Ancient
|
| Category |
Text |
| EBook-No. |
1181 |
| Release Date |
Jan 1, 1998 |
| Most Recently Updated |
Jan 16, 2013 |
| Copyright Status |
Public domain in the USA. |
| Downloads |
527 downloads in the last 30 days. |
|
Project Gutenberg eBooks are always free!
|
